Biomimetics functional principles

Biomimetic and bioinspired synthetic model complexes were very useful in providing information about basic functional principles and mechanistic aspects... 

In a sense, our efforts to create biomimetic functional materials and bioinspired nanodevices are following the arc of development of human flight. First came the study of biological systems. This was followed by the creation of hybrid systems to elucidate the key principles of flight. Ultimately, synthetic flying machines were developed. 

Biological Fibrillar Adhesives Functional Principles and Biomimetic Applications... 

In this chapter we describe the basic principles involved in the controlled production and modification of two-dimensional protein crystals. These are synthesized in nature as the outermost cell surface layer (S-layer) of prokaryotic organisms and have been successfully applied as basic building blocks in a biomolecular construction kit. Most importantly, the constituent subunits of the S-layer lattices have the capability to recrystallize into iso-porous closed monolayers in suspension, at liquid-surface interfaces, on lipid films, on liposomes, and on solid supports (e.g., silicon wafers, metals, and polymers). The self-assembled monomolecular lattices have been utilized for the immobilization of functional biomolecules in an ordered fashion and for their controlled confinement in defined areas of nanometer dimension. Thus, S-layers fulfill key requirements for the development of new supramolecular materials and enable the design of a broad spectrum of nanoscale devices, as required in molecular nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, and biomimetics [1-3]. 

These results have demonstrated that the biomimetic approach of copying the supramolecular principle of archaeal cell envelopes opens new possibilities for exploiting functional hpid membranes at meso- and macroscopic scales. Moreover, this technology has the potential to initiate a broad spectrum of developments in such areas as sensor technology, diagnostics, biotechnology, and electronic or optical devices. 

Hecht S, Frechet JMJ. Dendritic encapsulation of function applying nature s site isolation principle from biomimetics to materials science. Angew Chem Int Ed 2001 40 74-91. 

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